美 해군, 항모용 EMALS (전자기 사출장치) 시험 실시...

 

美 해군이 개발 중인 전자기 사출장치 (EMALS, Electromagnetic AircraftLaunch System) 를 이용한 F/A-18E

Super Hornet 의 이륙시험비행이 美 동부 New Jersey 州 Lakehurst 에 위치한 해군항공연구소에서 20일 실시

되었다는 소식 입니다.

 

EMALS 는 현재 美 해군이 항공모함에서 50년이상 사용하고 있는 증기식 사출장치를 대체할 목적으로 개발하고

있는 신형 사출장치이며, 2015년 취역 예정인 美 해군 Gerald R. Ford 급 차기 항공모함의 초도함 USS Gerald

R. Ford (CVN 78) 호부터 후속 건조 항공모함에 설치될 예정 입니다.

 

참고로 EMALS 는 기존의 증기식 사출장치와 비교시, 중량 및 설치면적에서의 소형화라는 점과 사출방식에 있어

전자기를 이용함으로써 고출력을 발생시킨다는 장점등이 있습니다. 이는 기존 함재기들 보다 이륙중량이 더 높은

항공기/전투기들을 항모에서 운용이 가능하다는 것으로도 설명할 수 있습니다.

 

이번 F/A-18E Super Hornet 을 대상으로 한 EMALS 시험에 성공한 美 해군은 내년부터 T-45 및 C-2 함재기들

에 대해서도 EMALS 시험비행을 단계적으로 실시할 계획이라 합니다.

 

한편, 최근 공개된 영국의 국방개혁안 SDSR (Strategic Defense & Security Review) 을 참조하자면, 영국 해군

역시 현재 건조 중인 Queen Elizabeth 급 차기 항공모함에 EMALS 를 채용할 가능성이 높은 것으로 알려지고

있습니다.

 

美 해군 NAVAIR 에서 발표한 EMALS 시험비행 관련 보도자료와 사진들을 함께 소개 합니다.

 

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Navy launches first aircraft using EMALS

 

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The Navy made history Saturday when it launched the first aircraft from the Naval Air Systems Command, Lakehurst, N.J., test site using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, technology.

 

The Navy has been using steam for more than 50 years to launch aircraft from carriers. Saturday, the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) program launched an F/A-18E Super Hornet using the EMALS technology that will replace steam catapults on future aircraft carriers.

 

“This is a tremendous achievement not just for the ALRE team, but for the entire Navy,” said Capt. James Donnelly, ALRE program manager. “Saturday’s EMALS launch demonstrates an evolution in carrier flight deck operations using advanced computer control, system monitoring and automation for tomorrow’s carrier air wings.”

 

EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and future Ford-class carriers.

 

“I thought the launch went great,” said Lt. Daniel Radocaj, the test pilot from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) who made the first EMALS manned launch. “I got excited once I was on the catapult but I went through the same procedures as on a steam catapult. The catapult stroke felt similar to a steam catapult and EMALS met all of the expectations I had.”

 

The current aircraft launch system for Navy aircraft carriers is the steam catapult. Newer, heavier and faster aircraft will result in launch energy requirements approaching the limits of the steam catapult system.

 

The mission and function of EMALS remain the same as the steam catapult; however, EMALS employs entirely different technologies. EMALS will deliver the necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as substantial improvements in system weight, maintenance, increased efficiency, and more accurate end-speed control.

 

“I felt honored to be chosen as the Shooter to help launch the first live aircraft tested on the new EMALS track at Lakehurst,” said Chief Petty Officer Brandon Barr, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Test Department, Lakehurst. “It was very exciting to knowingly be a part of naval aviation history. Petty Officers 1st Class Hunsaker and Robinson, Petty Officers 2nd Class Williams, Wong, and Simmons, were the sailors on my team who worked together to help make this test a success. We all look forward to seeing this cutting edge technology deployed on the Gerald R. Ford."

 

“I’m excited about the improvement EMALS will bring to the fleet from a capability and reliability perspective,” said Cmdr. Russ McCormack, ALRE, PMA-251, deputy program manager for future systems. “EMALS was designed for just that purpose, and the team is delivering that requirement.”

 

The system’s technology allows for a smooth acceleration at both high and low speeds, increasing the carrier’s ability to launch aircraft in support of the warfighter.

 

The system will provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms – lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.

 

Engineers will continue system functional demonstration testing at NAVAIR Lakehurst. The team will expand aircraft launches with the addition of T-45 and C-2 aircraft next year.

 

 

  ⓒ U.S. NAVAIR

 

  ⓒ U.S. NAVAIR